RANKS IN MERCHANT NAVY

a) Deck Officer - The officers from this branch primarily look

after the ships navigation, loading/unloading of cargo and the
general maintenance and administration of the ship. The
officer joins in the rank of 3rd officer and is subsequently
promoted to the rank of 2nd officer, Chief Officer and finally
the Master of the ship. Off course, the promotions are subject
to the individual passing his competency exams and his
performance onboard the ship. In addition to navigation
duties, normally a 3rd officer looks after the life saving
appliances, 2nd officer the passage planning and the
navigation equipment, the Chief Officer looks after the cargo
work and the Master is the overall in-charge of the ship.

(b) Engineering Officer - These are the officer who are

qualified in Marine Engineering. They join as 4th Engineer and
step by step, get promoted to 3rd, 2nd and Chief Engineer,
subject to their passing the competency exams and
performance onboard the ship. The Engineering department in
addition to looking after the main engines, are also
responsible for associated equipment like power generation
equipment, cargo pumps and air - conditioning etc. The4the
Engineer is responsible for operation and maintenance of
engine room auxiliaries. The 3rd engineer for fuel, water and
the boiler room equipment. The 2nd engineer for lubricating
the system, engine room auxiliaries, and electric equipment. In
addition, there is an electrical officer, who is responsible for
the electrical equipment.

(c) Radio Officers - The Radio Officers looks after all the
electronic communication and the related records. In addition,
he also looks after electronic navigation aids such as radar,
depth measuring devices, long range navigation equipment
and global positioning system etc. However, this category of
personnel has been almost phased out and their duties passed
over to other deck officers. To be qualified as Radio Officer an
individual need to do a two week GMDSS course.

(e) Purser - He is an officer who looks after all the

administrative work related to pay and perks of personnel
onboard. However, this category of personnel has also been
almost phased out and their duties passed over to other deck
officers.

(f) Ratings - There are three kinds of ratings - deck, engine

room and catering. Deck rating is responsible for cargo
handling, mooring/ unmooring and general maintenance of the
ship. Similarly the engine room ratings assist the engineering
officers in maintenance and operation of engines and
associated equipment. The catering crew consists of
Steward / Cooks and as the name suggests, they look after the
catering and the house keeping of officers cabin.